Rolex accuses retailer of using fake parts

Rolex has accused an online retailer of selling watches that use counterfeit parts with a fake brand stamp.

The accusations were detailed in a lawsuit filed by Rolex in California. In the filing Rolex calls for damages and an injunction against Melrose.com for selling watches that use counterfeit parts.

Rolex filed the documents after buying three watches for between $3,725 and $9,925 from Melrose.com. The products, Rolex alleges, contained parts with fake “crown” trademarks. Others allegedly used parts from vintage watches, some of which are more than 30 years old.

Krishan Agarwal, president of Melrose.com, defended the company against the claims, which he described as "ridiculous." Speaking to the Los Angeles Times Agarwal said: "If you install aftermarket rims on a Ford Mustang, it doesn't mean it's not a Ford Mustang."

Since the court documents were filed Melrose.com has begun a three-day sale of Rolex watches, knocking more than $1,000 off the price of some watches on offer.